Cool swim cover-ups & hot summer must-haves

Bobbie Thomas TODAY Style Editor

Swim designers today are offering not just a “bathing suit,” but entire ensembles to take you to and from the beach. So why not ditch your old T-shirt and shorts and embrace a sunwear wardrobe that is easy, breezy and stylish all at once? Bobbie Thomas, TODAY Style editor and author of the Buzz for “In Touch Weekly,” highlights some fashions that say "beach-bound" from head to toe.

Vitamin-A/ bestswimwear.com

Caftans
Full-length frocks and embellished tunics will add a little polish to your poolside presence. Consider them beach “black-tie” attire. Favorites of the jet set, the chic designs add an air of effortless glam to your fun in the sun. Light layers of fabric provide a peek-a-boo canvas that lets your bathing suit shine through. But don't fear the sheer! This season's bold graphic prints will add extra camouflage. Silk scarf dresses especially come in an array of vibrant colors and patterns. ShopIntuition.com offers styles that can be worn with a suit or with a slip — $130. Jantzen Sevilla Cavilla caftan $100, macys.com; long floral caftan $88, echodesign.com; Danila clear wedge, $70.50, Aldoshoes.com

Crochet cover-ups
Hit the beach bohemian-style with a woven. An earthy, organic-looking option, crochet cover-ups are not only pretty, they're practical, too. Breathable cottons will help you through a heat wave, and keep you comfortably casual for daytime shopping on vacation, or even while strolling the boardwalk at night. Bonus: You can also slip your knit number over your favorite layers come fall for a cozy, textured feel.
Becca fleur de Lys crochet dress, $116, EverythingButWater.com

Swim dress/Keikoswim.com

Quick-dry swim dresses
Take a dip in one of these designs and you won't be dripping for long. Designers are fashioning flirty dresses out of the same fabric they use for swimsuits, and the result is a frock that feels like second skin. Contemporary collections are offering stylish cuts that will flatter your figure without leaving you overexposed. Perhaps you won't even mind when your friends toss you in the pool this time! 
Swim dress, $238, keikoswim.com; Chio shimmer dress, $197, barneys.com; Dezario secret lucite slide, $34.89, endless.com

Nautica/Nordstrom.com

Sporty separates
For the girl who wants to work her swim-style into her wardrobe, sporty separates and terrycloth will do the trick. Long sleeveless zip-ups are not only the perfect companion to a tankini or sporty suit, but they can also come in handy at the gym, while your towel-like terrycloth halter can also double as a bathdress. The perfect alternative to a heavy robe when blow-drying your hair after a steamy-hot shower.
Nautica Beach hoodie, $68, Nordstrom.com; terry leaf halter, $48, echodesign.com; Havaianas slim flip-flop, $22, shopbop.com

Ensemble looks
Beyond the bathing suit, entire collections are now created around a base print. Not only are we seeing swim dresses, tops and skirts, but designers are trying their hand at accessories, too, including totes, towels and sandals. Swim designers such as Shay Todd are even dipping their toes into the ready-to-wear world, with collections that transcend the beach and branch into our everyday wardrobes.
Betsey Johnson bandeau dress, $126,  EverythingButWater.com; Trudy brown wedge, $100, geox.com

BCBG wrap/Nordstrom.com

Under wraps
Aside from the fun of fashion, covering up can have its perks, especially for those who are looking for protection from the sun. SPF hats from Coolibar protect your head from harm, while their bandanna can be used to shield shoulders, stomach, or any small area that is being overexposed. The Shade Wrap scarf and Sun Throw can also be used to keep you warm once the sun goes down ($9.95-$39.95, coolibar.com). And BCBG's Cardi-wrap is a seasonless staple that is perfect for any occasion. Slip into the sleeves, tie it anyway you like, and you're covered — literally ($138, bcbg.com).

Feet fixers
While you're walking, why not reap some benefits? The FitFlop claims to help tone your thighs, calves and glutes just by wearing them as you move. A U.K. favorite, they're finally available in the U.S. at Bath and Body Works ($45, bathandbodyworks.com).  Another tech-for-your-toes creation: Geox is featuring sweat-resistant sandals that are designed to keep your feet dry (Geox.com). And Brazilian-based brand Havaianas has been a favorite in Hollywood for years, and now they’ve created a “slimmer” thong that slides between your toes for ultimate comfort ($23, shopbop.com). 

And finally, bag it!
We know you've found a way to stay cool — but what about your belongings? IcyBags will keep your makeup from melting away ($14.99, icybag.com), while Cooler Couture lets you pack a picnic complete with beverages and items that need refrigeration, all in a fashionable tote ($59.99-$79.99, coolercouture.com).

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